The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn Occurring on the Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice has always been a turning point in the cycle of light. And it’s a time of hearts opening, a portal. In my hospice training, it’s also a time of more deaths occurring. So far, here in the US, we have had 300,000 deaths due to COVID-19 and in the world a total of 1.7 million. How many more will join them?

But what else is happening on a far grander scale? Jupiter and Saturn are the closest where they could be seen in the nighttime sky in 800 years ago. Jupiter represents expansiveness and Saturn brings structure. When Jupiter and Saturn come together, there is both the intensity of old forms dying as well as the fertility of new growth beginning to take shape.

The conjunction is happening in the sign of Aquarius, an air sign of social change, humanitarian efforts and justice for all, at 0 degrees which signifies a completely new beginning. 2020 is the end of a 200 year era of Jupiter and Saturn uniting in earth signs. While the earth element signifies focus on material security and consolidation of resources that is resistant to change, the era of air will bring disruption to established orders and dramatic changes in collective ideas and the way we communicate. There has been an atmosphere of anticipation building during the year of being on the precipice of a new era, while simultaneously old issues have resurfaced in need of resolution. (quotes from astrology.com)

The current pandemic isn’t the first one, nor is it likely be the last. Many sources have indicated that the planet can only support so many people. From Chris Jorgensen’s Attunement: Love Made Visible. To the Spirit-Being, the falling away of physical form is not a big deal. But to the human identity it is a very big deal. How do we as Attunement Practitioners address the feelings that arise within oneself and in others in the face of all these changes?

It is important to know that grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss of any kind, even changes in normal patterns of behavior. Call it what you will – anxiety, stress, depression – it’s all grief. We all have been experiencing grief of different intensities during this year. The mind will try to fix the heart by saying, ‘Don’t feel bad, he led a full life;’ ‘Don’t feel bad, it’s for the best;’ ‘Don’t feel bad, just keep busy;’ ‘Don’t feel bad…’ or ‘Time heals all wounds.’ The mind cannot heal the heart.

The best thing to do is to acknowledge the feelings – grief, panic, loneliness, anxiety, etc. Don’t bury them, don’t pretend they don’t exist. Create a safe place of Attunement where someone who listens to us without interruption, analysis, or criticism. And we can be that big heart with ears and no mouth for others. Shared joy is twice the joy; shared sorrow is half the sorrow. Sharing Attunements provide a grounding during the throes of grief, a healing balm of blessing.

On a practical level, are our affairs in order? Do we have a will, a medical and financial power of attorneys which will help alleviate a lot of pain and suffering on our family? Have we had a conversation with our family about our wishes? Cremation or burial? Passwords for electronic devices? By handling the practical, we won’t have any regrets or unfinished business.

In this wondrous time of year and Great Conjunction, may I/we take the opportunity to appreciate, to validate, and to express to the family and friends in our lives how much they mean to us, how important they are to us and how much we love them. And, of course, share Attunement!